Decision details

The Cabinet considered the report of the Director of Public Health which sought approval of the Sefton Child Poverty Strategy: Tackling Child Poverty in Sefton 2022-2030. The report indicated that the strategy was a major step in ensuring that Sefton residents are offered opportunities, support, advice, and information that will address the causes and challenges of childhood poverty.

Decision made: That:

(1)      the Sefton Child Poverty Strategy 2022-2030 be approved for adoption and implementation by the Health and Wellbeing Board;

(2)      that approval be given to the continued engagement of our community, partners and community and voluntary sector organisations to develop a robust set of action plans, aligned to the objectives set out in the strategy and the performance framework which will underpin the strategy;

(3)      the Council will continue to commit all available resources to underpin the delivery of the strategy using available funds from Public Health, Communities, Education etc. with a commitment to producing an annual summary detailing key achievements and challenges faced in the preceding year; and

(4)      approval be given to a multi-agency launch of the strategy in November 2022.

Reasons for the Decision:

Living in poverty has negative impacts in other aspects of people’s lives and is not just about money – it impacts educational attainment, access to good paying work, increases the risk of developing poor health conditions and reduces life expectancy. It also means that many people are not able to take part in the normal life of a place as experienced by other residents.

If we are unable to support the most in need families right now, the biggest challenge will be on the poorest in our society, increasing those who most rely on public services who will be limited even further in trying to support their own families and turn their lives around.

Approval of this strategy and its focus on pockets, places and prospects will lead to a fairer and more inclusive Sefton, where everyone is able to live their best life, prosperous and fulfilling, free from poverty and inequality.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

None. The strategy focuses on ensuring that the most vulnerable people in our communities receive the support they need, those most at risk and in need of accessing our services.